Why India vs Pakistan T20 Match Cancellation Could Cost the Cricket Economy ₹4,500 Crore
The Cricket World faces an enormous financial blow. Experts warn that the cancellation of an India vs Pakistan T20 match could lead to a loss of more than USD 500 Million (Rs 4.500 crore). The figure is a measure of the amount of money generated by intense sports rivalry. It includes revenue generated from advertising, sponsorships and ticket sales.
India vs Pakistan T20 is commonly regarded as one of the most lucrative fixtures in international cricket. There is no other game that generates as much money. Recent reports indicate that the vast majority of these valuations are attributed to television and digital broadcasting. The advertising rates are among the most expensive in the world; brands pay between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 40 Lakh for just a 10-second slot. Advertising revenue for this match is estimated to be around Rs 300 billion. An average World Cup game is approximately worth Rs 138 billion, so an India-Pakistan clash is more than twice as valuable.
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Industry analysts highlight the enormous stakes for both broadcasters and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The broadcasters could suffer immediate losses of Rs 370 to 400 crore if the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 scheduled for the T20 World Cup in 2026 were cancelled. A cancellation of this match would result in a significant drop in viewership and weakened commercial returns throughout the rest of the T20 World Cup.
The ICC’s member boards would be affected by any revenue shortfall. The ICC’s financial strength would allow the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board to absorb any shock. However, the smaller nations that rely on ICC funds will be severely affected. According to reports, both India and Pakistan would lose Rs 200 billion each if this match did not happen. The Pakistan Cricket Board would bear the most significant financial impact.
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Financial implications could be severe for the PCB. Currently, the PCB gets approximately 5.75% (USD 34.5 Million) of total ICC revenues. The funding depends on participation in ICC events. The experts note that voluntary forfeiture or withdrawal is not covered under standard force majeure provisions, so insurance coverage would not apply. The PCB may face legal action, penalties or withheld payments. The ICC could, in such a case, be forced to pay broadcasters directly by taking their annual PCB revenue share. This would cost them between 70 and 80 percent of the USD 34,5 million they were allocated.
Industry sources noted that the India Vs Pakistan T20I Match generates USD 500m in revenue through broadcasting, sponsorship, advertising and other means. This highlights the fixture’s importance to the global cricket industry.
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The International Cricket Council is the world’s governing body of cricket. The ICC represents 108 members and governs and administers the sport. It is also responsible for organizing major international tournaments such as the Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, and other similar events.
